All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
One need only look at the charms that hang around Tessa Tran’s neck to know where the 31-year-old jewelry designer has been last. There’s coral from Kauai’s Anini Beach, vintage cameos found in Italy, and turquoise pendants found in Santa Fe by the brains behind the bohemian label Chan Luu, which was founded by her aunt. “I’m always collecting things and searching for newness everywhere I travel,” says the born-and-bred Angeleno, who’s known to mix flea-market finds—a straw bucket hat bought in Tokyo, say, or a 50-cent Oaxacan market tote—with Injiri’s flowy frocks, Dries Van Noten denim, and, of course, her own handcrafted bijoux.
Tran began nine years ago as an intern at Chan Luu’s downtown L.A. headquarters (“I started at the bottom,” she says with a laugh), but she has certainly risen through the ranks. The creative director now oversees everything from new collections and lookbooks to marketing and branding, a career change that is reflected in her working wardrobe: “I’m a little more conscious in how I dress for my age and how I want to be perceived in a professional environment,” she confesses—though that doesn t mean she’s immune to experimenting from time to time: “I just bought a Prada top with orange feather trim to wear to my wedding after-party. It’s crazy, but I love it.”
Here, Tessa Tran decodes her look, from the easygoing essentials that get her work-ready to her favorite flea markets across the globe.
Rely on Good Basics to Get You Out the Door . . .
“My outfit depends on my mood. (The only time I plan what I’m wearing ahead of time is when I’m trying to make it to a 6:00 a.m. Pilates class!) When I dress for work, I tend to dress simply. Vintage Levi’s and Petit Bateau T-shirts are staples, [as are] an Organic by John Patrick slip dress in camel, a Maison Margiela trench coat, a nylon Prada bucket bag, and a vintage white cotton and lace dress.”
. . . But Don’t Be Afraid to Throw In a Wild Card
“I definitely like to experiment. I’m a designer, so the excitement and discovery of something new is what keeps me going. Every season I try to bring in an investment piece that I can mix into my wardrobe. I just bought a Prada top with orange feather trim to wear to my wedding after-party. It’s like a glammed-up Muppet look. It’s crazy, but I love it.”
Find Freedom in Wearing Flats . . .
“Working gals need to be able to move around quickly and comfortably! I’m wearing less heels and more flats. Manolo Blahnik mules are classic and look great with skirts, dresses, denim . . . I love toning down a dressier outfit with a pair of sneakers, [like] my cream low-top Vans.”
. . . And the Personal Joy of Signature Jewelry
Two things I know I’ll never take off: my engagement ring from my fiancé and another ring passed down from my grandmother. You’ll always see me wearing a pearl. I’ve had a pearl obsession ever since I was a kid, mainly because of my aunt Chan’s influence. I remember her always wearing South Sea pearl earrings or a large baroque pearl necklace. Right now, summer is approaching and the weather is warming up, so I’m layering more necklaces and anklets. I just designed new 14-karat toe rings with tiny rose-cut diamonds and sapphires, which I can’t wait to wear. During colder seasons, I wear lots of big, cozy knit sweaters and turtlenecks, so this is when I’m wearing more earrings and bracelets.
Scout Your Local Flea Markets. . . .
I love searching for flea-market finds whenever I travel. Even something I bought at a flea market for a couple of bucks could mean so much to me. It’s not all about the designer and what it’s worth; it’s about finding special pieces that mean the same to you [as your expensive designer pieces]. My favorite flea markets are Puces de Clignancourt and Saint-Ouen in Paris. You can find the most beautiful laces and buttons and beads and silverware. My favorite thing I bought is a vintage pepper grinder. In L.A., I love Rose Bowl and Long Beach, which is a little farther, so it’s sometimes less crowded. I also travel a lot to Mexico. There are a couple in Oaxaca that are more like mercados that sell artisanal craftwork; the one in Chiapas is stunning, too.
.jpg)
. . . And Look Out for Tiny Treasures Wherever You Go
When I’m traveling I’m always buying different charms and stones. I’m always searching for newness at all of these craft markets and flea markets. I pick up things here and there, so I’m always incorporating them into some kind of jewelry item. What’s special about charms is that every component has a backstory, and I know exactly where each came from.